In a time when pollution is one of the threatening menace for the city dwellers, a beautiful flower from Mexico can come to the rescue of us.

Known as coral vine, coral creeper, chain of love, love vine, queen’s jewels and Mexican creeper, the flowering vine is scientifically named as Antigonon leptopus.

The flower vine grows and blooms well in Kerala. It is called ‘Venal Poovalli’ or 'Then Poovalli’ in Malayalam. The major characteristic of the plant is its long life. The vine grows upto a height of 10-12 metres.

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The flowers are commonly pink, red and white in colour. The heart-shaped green leaves of the plant is another attraction. The plant blooms in summer and require sunlight to flourish.

In order to grow coral vine easily, collect its sprouted tuber and replant it. The tuber is found deep underground and has to be carefully removed.

Planting stem cuttings or sowing seeds also can be tried. to grow the plant in flower pots, fill it with soil, sand and leaf powder in 2:1:1 ratio.

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As the flowers contain high amount of pollen grains and honey, it is always surrounded by bees and butterflies. So, honeybee farmers seem to plant coral vine aplenty to attract the bees.

Coral vine plant is capable of purifying the air and thus reduces air pollution. So, the city dwellers are advised to plant this flower in their garden for a pleasing and healthy atmosphere.